The Town , once one of the Garden Route’s shining stars, is now showing alarming signs of infrastructure crisis. While nearby towns such as George and Plettenberg Bay (Plett) thrive under effective governance, Knysna’s roads are crumbling, basic services falter, and the town risks losing its charm and investment appeal.
This article delves into the current state of the , budgetary constraints, political dysfunction, and the potential path forward for this picturesque town.
Current State of Knysna’s Infrastructure: Roads, Water, and Waste Management
Driving through The Twon today, potholes are impossible to miss, even along the major N2 highway. The town experiences frequent water pipe bursts, and although repairs are made, the associated road surfaces often remain unrepaired. Officially, these issues are blamed on ongoing “water infrastructure upgrades,” but locals remain unconvinced by this explanation.
Refuse removal is inconsistent and often outsourced to external contractors, resulting in a patchy service delivery record. The town centre appears neglected, with dirty streets and a general air of decline.
Perhaps most symbolic of the crisis is George Rex Drive—a key arterial road—that is literally breaking off into The Twon estuary, highlighting how critical infrastructure is failing under the weight of neglect.
Budget Breakdown: Knysna’s Financial Collapse
Knysna’s financial woes stem from poor management and allocation. The upcoming municipal budget of approximately R1.2 billion allocates nearly a third (R365 million) to salaries, leaving limited funds for urgent capital projects.
With only R160 million set aside for capital expenditure, and a meager R500,000 earmarked for urgent repairs to George Rex Drive (which actually requires over R23 million over the next three years), the financial outlook for fixing infrastructure is bleak.
Transparency issues plague the municipality’s finances, with delays in procurement and spending raising red flags about inefficiency and possible corruption.
Political Paralysis: A Town Trapped by Factionalism
Political instability within Knysna’s council, led by an African National Congress (ANC) coalition, severely hampers progress. Frequent deadlocks, infighting, and stalled decision-making characterize the current political climate, leaving infrastructure crises unresolved.
This contrasts sharply with DA-led municipalities nearby. Towns like George exhibit strong leadership and effective governance, resulting in infrastructure improvements and expanding economic opportunities.
Analysts note that Knysna’s leadership lacks a unified vision and often prioritizes political survival over development, exacerbating service delivery failures.
George and Plett: Same Region, Different Realities
While the town a struggles, George and Plettenberg Bay have seen marked growth and improved services. George has upgraded its airport and road networks, while Plett continues to attract tourists and investors.
The secret lies in governance: both towns are under DA leadership that emphasizes fiscal responsibility, transparent budgeting, and proactive service delivery.
Residents surveys confirm lower satisfaction with Knysna’s services compared to its neighbors, a trend that threatens to drive away residents and businesses alike.
Can the Private Sector Save Knysna?
The private sector in Knysna’s financialis stepping in to fill service gaps. Private estates like Thesen Island maintain their infrastructure independently, offering cleaner streets and better amenities. Local businesses and NGOs run patchwork initiatives for road and environmental maintenance.
However, without formalized public-private partnerships, these efforts remain piecemeal, leading to inequality and social division.
There is growing support for establishing collaborative governance frameworks that unite the public and private sectors with shared accountability.
Tourism in Peril: A Fading Jewel of the Garden Route
Knysna’s tourism industry, a vital economic pillar, is at risk. Poor infrastructure, irregular waste collection, and broken water systems drive complaints and cancellations among visitors.
Major events like the Knysna Forest Marathon and the Oyster Festival face logistical difficulties, dampening their positive economic impact.
The Road Ahead: Is Change Still Possible?
Hope remains for Knysna’s revival. The upcoming 2026 local elections offer an opportunity for leadership change, stronger governance, and better budgetary management.
Community advocates propose creating oversight committees and demand financial audits to ensure transparency and improved service delivery.
Knysna’s fate depends on political will, civic engagement, and strategic collaboration between government and private sectors.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Paths
Knysna’s financiaResidents, investors, and tourists await the town’s next chapter—one shaped by accountability, innovation, and sustainable development.
Related Articles
- DA vs ANC: Municipal Governance Compared
- George Infrastructure Update 2025
- South Africa’s Pothole Crisis: National Overview
Further Reading
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Current State of Knysna’s Infrastructure
- Budget Breakdown: Knysna’s Financial Collapse
- Political Paralysis: A Town Trapped by Factionalism
- George and Plett: Same Region, Different Realities
- Can the Private Sector Save Knysna?
- Tourism in Peril: A Fading Jewel of the Garden Route
- The Road Ahead: Is Change Still Possible?
- Conclusion: A Tale of Two Paths
- Related Articles
- Further Reading
